The Adventures of a Compulsive Seamstress

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Tuxedo Bellatrix

Another Bellatrix Blazer finished! What a shame Papercut Patterns aren’t participating in this month’s Sewing Indie Challenge, hosted all over, because I’d be entering this little number – for sure!

I’d almost finished it in the last post, it was just lacking a front facing & upper collar piece which I was going to cut from a black cotton stretch satin. Before committing to the order online though, I had a quick rummage through my silks & satins stash box and I found a piece of black stretch satin – not strictly cotton either, but who cares! By using this piece I tick off another stashbusting box and I get to finish the jacket over the weekend – bonus.

I really do love the contrast of solid black on the collar, none of the other versions have contrasts on the outsides (insides are a different matter altogether!) so this makes it a little different. The peplum pieces are all cut on the cross (weft) grain so the stripes are perpendicular to the rest of the jacket, this also means they have no stretch.. no matter, across the back the is great movement which is supported on the inside with a stretch lining.

Left: canvas interfacing to support under collar, top right: interfacing supporting the upper back & armholes, bottom right: pinning a seam for a perfect intersection

I don’t like stretch linings, they feel funny but they do do a good job on a project like this. As usual, the project went together really well, I used fusible canvas on the undercollar to give extra support, and used a lightweight fusible on the remaining pieces. Now Daughter No2 just needs to decide what to wear it with when she goes to school next!

Next I’ll show off the dress I cut at the same time as the jacket, yes, Daughter No1 came home quickly this long weekend & tried it on. Thankfully it fits beautifully – and she loves it! The boyfriend was suitable appreciative too… ;)

I don’t own this pattern but after seeing yours I will definitely be adding it to my pattern stash. Your version is adorable and I have a daughter that will love this as much as I do. Thanks for sharing.

Hi there, you are an amazing inspiration to me! I love love this jacket – I know you are extremely talented …but how long did this take you to make? And was the fitting difficult..I have a wedding I would love to make one for! Thanks – petticoatstudio@gmail.com Suze

Hi Suze & thank you! :) I can’t remember how long that one took, but I cut the one out one evening, shell, linings interfacings, the lot & interfaced it that night. Then the next day I sat down and just sewed. It was finished by 4pm, if that helps! :) Good luck, but don’t leave it til the last minute!! ;)